Everything you Need to Know About Australia Before you Arrive
Traveling to Australia as a backpacker is an exciting adventure, but there are a few things you should know before you arrive down under.
Health and Travel Insurance
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers accidents, medical emergencies, and activities like hiking, sky diving or scuba diving. This may also help you if you have cancelations or delays to flights or tours you book once you arrive.
Health services in Australia can be expensive, so having coverage is essential. Depending on you home country, you may be able to apply for Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare scheme).
Find out more about it and how to apply here.
Budget and Currency
The currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Australia is mostly cashless these days, but its always good to make sure to have some on hand or be aware of ATMs where you can withdraw money for emergencies.
Australia can be quite expensive, especially in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Plan your budget accordingly and be aware of hostel and food prices.
Most banks these days allow you to use your bank card when travelling internationally. Let your bank know you will be travelling so they don’t flag any purchases in Australia as suspicious and block your card!
Climate and Packing
Australia is vast, and the climate varies greatly. Northern areas are tropical, while the south is more temperate.
Pack for a range of temperatures. Essentials include sunscreen, a good pair of walking shoes, swimwear, light clothes for hot weather, and warmer layers for the cooler evenings or regions like Tasmania. Check out our Packing Guide for a full list of what we recommend you bring!
Safety
Australia is a safe country to travel to, but there are still a few things to be mindful of:
- Watch out for marine stingers and sharks when swimming at beaches. Always swim at patrolled beaches and heed local warnings.
- Be cautious of dangerous animals like snakes, crocodiles, and spiders. Follow local advice when hiking or camping.
- Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places.
- Always reach out to you friendly WTC Team if you are ever concerned or need assistance whilst travelling Australia.
The Outback and Nature
If you’re heading to the Outback, ensure you have enough water, supplies, and fuel for long distances. Especially if you are planning long road trips, ensure you are prepared with emergency fuel, food, and water.
Take part in nature activities, such as hiking in national parks or going on a road trip along the Great Ocean Road or the East Coast. Check out our travel guides or fill out our East Coast Planner to start planning your dream trip!
Cultural Norms and Etiquette
Australians are generally friendly and laid-back, but it’s important to be respectful of local culture. If you’re near Indigenous communities, be respectful of their traditions and customs. Always ask before taking photos of people or sacred sites.
Tipping is not mandatory in Australia, but it’s appreciated for great service.
Emergency Numbers
The emergency number in Australia is 000 for police, fire, or medical assistance.
Time Zones
Australia spans several time zones, so make sure you’re aware of the local time wherever you are.
Australian Western Standard Time (AWST)
- UTC +8:00
- Covers Western Australia (e.g., Perth)
Australian Central Standard Time (ACST)
- UTC +9:30
- Covers South Australia, Northern Territory, and a few remote towns in New South Wales
Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)
- UTC +10:00
- Covers Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory
Daylight Saving Time (DST)
Some states observe daylight saving from the first Sunday in October to the first Sunday in April.
Clocks move forward one hour during this period.
Australian Central Daylight Time (ACDT)
- UTC +10:30
- Observed in South Australia and Broken Hill (NSW)
Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT)
- UTC +11:00
- Observed in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory
Time Zone Exceptions
Queensland, Western Australia, and Northern Territory do not observe daylight saving.
Broken Hill (NSW) follows South Australian time, not the rest of NSW.
Lord Howe Island (off the NSW coast) follows AEST but shifts to UTC +10:30 during daylight saving.